St Mary's English Tutors and St Mary's English Tuition

Personal Description:
Friendly, simple person with a proven track record. Though heavily experienced in teaching, always experimenting about ways in which current students learn and hence posses a wide variety of ways to cater to different learning needs of different students.

Have helped Advanced Level students, university students, post grads etc

Teaching Experience:
More than 38 years experience as a university lecturer and tutor in UK, Singapore and Sri Lanka. Also have conducted private tuition classes (individual and group) for GCSE and A/L. Further, have worked as a researcher in International Research Institutes - all these experiences ensure you get a unique learning experience.

Tutoring Approach:
A novel approach which is student centered and outcome based. Includes many real world examples.

This new approach will ensure that learning become fun.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am currently a primary school teacher in Wirral teaching Year 6.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching for sixteen years now and thoroughly enjoy my job.

Tutoring Approach:
I aim to help any child experiencing difficulties with maths and English or those who just need a boost of confidence in those areas.

Subjects

Personal Description:
My name is Mila. I have been living in the UK for 15 years. I teach GCSE Russian at the Russian school in Ipswich. I live near Colchester, Harwich, Ipswich. I used to work as a police and court interpreter. Now I work as a primary school teacher.

Teaching Experience:
I have graduated from Saratov State University and my qualifications are: a teacher of English/Russian, interpreter, translator.
I worked as a teacher of English/Russian at Saratov Academy of Economics (now it is Saratov Social Ecomonic University) for 3 years.
Then I moved to Moscow where I worked in a number of foreign companies (American, English, German and Japanese) as an interpreter and a teacher of English/Russian.
I have passed DPSI (LAW) exams - Diploma in Public Service Interpreting (Northampton, UK)
I finished my Teacher Training. and got QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) and PGCE.

Tutoring Approach:
Patience, challenge and eager to help students to achieve their goals.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I have been working as a highly successful English tutor since 2007. Additionally, in 2012, I worked three days a week in an independent girls' school in Exeter, providing one-to-one support for a girl in Year 9 and also taught English Literature to Year 7 & Year 13 classes. I live near Bridport in Dorset.

I have a passion for the written word and its performance in poetry and drama.

I have grown-up children and grandchildren, and am very interested in how young people view and contribute to the world in which they live.

I gained an MA (with Merit) in Postcolonial Studies from SOAS, University of London in 2015 and a First Class Joint Honours BA in English and Classics from the University of Reading in 1996.

I teach online via Skype and other platforms, often incorporating Google Documents. Skype has proved to be a highly successful way of teaching and I now teach across the globe using this medium.

Teaching Experience:
I have been a highly successful English tutor for many years. Most of my client base is private but I also work for a top London tuition agency. I am a highly experienced tutor and currently have students in English Language & Literature from KS 2 to 'A' level/IB. I specialise in 11+,13 + and Common Entrance exams. My students have been awarded places at many schools, including Eton, Harrow, Winchester, Sevenoaks, The Perse Cambridge, Magdalen School Oxford, Oxford High School for Girls and grammar schools in London.

I also work with undergraduates & postgraduates in various disciplines, providing guidance in the structure of their essays, particularly dissertations, and academic writing. In 2019, the two undergraduate students I have supported (at the University of Exeter and University of Edinburgh) have each gained First Class classifications, both in their dissertation and overall degree.

Additionally, in 2014/15 I tutored the complete AQA GCSE Classical Civilisation syllabus to a Year 9 student via Skype, who obtained an A as her final grade.

I also have experience in helping adults with their business English and have written marketing copy for the commercial sector.

Tutoring Approach:
When I tutor a student, I search for a 'tailor-made' way to help increase their self-esteem and confidence. This enhances the learning they already receive in the classroom. The study of texts offers student and tutor alike not only an opportunity to develop communication one with another but also insight into the life experiences of others, both in past generations and the wider world today.

I have helped numerous students to achieve higher than their predicted grades at both GCSE, IB and 'A' level and have many excellent references available. I work with students in the independent and state school sectors and with varying levels of academic ability.

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Personal Description:
I am an enthusiastic and flexible teacher who likes to encorporate a range of styles and approaches to help my pupils achieve their full potential. I believe in tailoring support and approach to the individual learning needs of my students and provide a safe and creative environment in which to learn.

I have taught in Year 6 for over 10 years and work in a good school with good SATs results.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught in a variety of primary schools over the last 18 years and am currently a senior manager and Year 6 teacher in a large primary school. I have experience across all primary phases and have worked with a wide range of abilities and special needs.

Tutoring Approach:
I am dedicated to encourage and enable children to learn and achieve their full potential. Success, even in small steps is paramount to build self esteem and confidence and I believe that this is a key part of my teaching style.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a qualified and practising secondary school teacher. Prior to my training, for the last five years I have worked full time as a tutor but have tutored alongside studying for eight years. I am a graduate of Durham (BA History), and UCL (MA Central and South Eastern European Studies).

My main areas of interest are humanities and languages and I am an enthusiastic and passionate communicator.

Teaching Experience:
I am a highly experienced tutor, having taught a range of subjects, and have a passion for teaching and communication. I have a clear understanding of the structure of current and new A-Level and GCSE courses and the necessary requirements. I have a very high success rate with many of my pupils achieving the highest grades and demonstrating a marked improvement since tuition.

Tutoring Approach:
I taylor my lessons to students' needs completely. I mix exam technique with syllabus coverage. I am inventive in my lesson ideas to ensure that students are engaged with the subject matter.

Please note: I offer English Literature only, not EFL or English Language

Please also note: I require at least 24 hours' notice for cancellations otherwise I have to charge in full for the missed lesson.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am friendly, enthusiastic, patient and flexible. I am also hard-working and extremely reliable.
I enjoy working with children and adults alike!

Teaching Experience:
I am a qualified Primary School Teacher with over 10 years experience (both KS1 and KS2).
I can provide tuition/ support/ exam preparation in any primary subjects. Having a degree in English and having been Maths coordinator for a number of years, I can provide high quality tutoring in these two subjects. I am also able to provide tuition in primary Science and any other areas your child may need help with.

In addition, as a native speaker of French, I can offer language lessons tailored to any level, whether you prefer informal conversation classes or more structured sessions to practise a range of skills.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe it is essential for any learner to feel relaxed and motivated and I work hard to stimulate and inspire my students. I am particularly aware of the difficulties encountered by children with special educational needs. Whoever the student is, I am always keen to obtain feedback and suggestions on how to make the sessions more suited to their needs.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am 48 years old and have lived in the Fylde area since 2002. I have two daughters and one son who are my absolute life. In my spare time I spend quality time with them and live life to the full!!

In 2005 I started out as a teaching assistant and enjoyed it so much that I wanted to further my career and become a primary school teacher. I graduated with a BA (Hons) in Primary Education with QTS in July 2011. I achieved a good/outstanding grade on my final block placement.

I have decided to become a home tutor because I am more available in the evenings and it works well around my busy lifestyle. I have had 20 years of experience in education and can offer a high standard of teaching to all pupils, ensuring I meet their educational needs.

If your child would like tuition in preparation for SATs whether they are in Year 2 or Year 6, I will assess them using a SATs paper to identify areas they need to work on and create some lesson plans accordingly.

Teaching Experience:
I have worked in a variety of roles within schools across all key stages. These roles include 1:1 support assistant, reception key worker, teaching assistant, PE Instructor, PPA cover teacher, supply teacher and nursery practitioner.

During these times I have worked with a range of pupils with special educational needs and I am very proud to know that each and every child has progressed and developed through my creativity and strategic approach. I enjoy planning and ensuring lessons and activities are delivered effectively to meet the child's needs.

I have taught groups of children, half classes and whole classes, teaching in all primary subjects and many topics such as World War 2, Castles, Ancient Greece and Titanic.

During my final block placement in a year 5/6 mixed class, I supported children in preparation for SAT's and provided various activities to consolidate their understanding in the chosen subject they wanted support for. I also entered my class into a local poetry competition which over 100 schools entered. There were twelve winners chosen to have their poems published in a regional magazine. Out of the twelve winning poems, eight children from my class were awarded places in the magazine including first and second place. A very proud moment which is just one of my achievements that have made me more passionate about teaching children and ensuring they reach their full potential.

Tutoring Approach:
I have a very calm and creative approach to tutoring and enjoy going that extra mile to ensure education is enjoyable for all children.

Subjects

Personal Description:
ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A DEDICATED, PROFESSIONAL AND EXPERIENCED PRIVATE TUTOR?

I am a highly experienced and successful private tutor in English language and literature, with over 40 years teaching experience in secondary and further education.

I have been a private tutor for the past 10 years, and find it extremely rewarding to continue to use my expertise to support students preparing for challenging English qualifications, which are so vital for success in life.

This is what the mum of one of my 2024-5 tutees has said about my support for her son, who completed his A Level English Literature in summer 2025:

"During the 2nd year of my son's A Level English course it became evident that he felt very uncertain of some areas of the English course curriculum.
He hoped that a tutor would be able to get him back on track and fill in the gaps.
My son instantly felt comfortable with Isla. He knew she would be able to help. This confidence came within one lesson as Isla asked him the right questions to ascertain his strengths, and concerns.
Isla provided the additional support that my son needed in a calm, considered way. As a parent I was also updated about the form of the lessons and my son's progress on a weekly basis.
Isla continued to support my son during the revision period and provided last minute tuition and encouragement which was invaluable.
Isla teaches passionately to the individual and has clear objectives that are communicated well. Most importantly she does this in a friendly way, in a safe and comfortable environment.
My son achieved a B for English Literature and he was delighted.
In our opinion Isla played a large part in him achieving this result."
Mrs HS, Rutland, August 2025

Here is another testimonial from the mother of one of my GCSE tutees who took his exams summer 2024:

"Isla is a wonderful, dedicated tutor and I really couldn't have wished for a better tutor for my son's GCSE English. Isla's lessons are extremely well-planned, resourced and delivered, and she has created an excellent method of teaching which helped my son to engage and focus on his preparation for the exams. Most importantly, however, was the strong teacher/pupil relationship that Isla built with my son. From the first lesson, my son had great respect for his tutor, valuing her feedback and acting upon the advice given. I realised after the first tutorial that Isla's teaching style is perfect for today's students. Thank you so much Isla for your guidance, We are grateful for all your help!"
Mrs PD, Grantham, July 2024
Footnote: this tutee who has dyslexia gained a level 6 in both English Language and Literature.

You can see more reviews in my testimonial section below.

MORE ABOUT MY TEACHING EXPERIENCE:

After I retired from full-time teaching , I decided to continue teaching by becoming a private tutor, because I love teaching.

Formerly, I taught 11 to 18 year olds : Key Stages 3, GCSE and A Level, and in my work I had an excellent track record for enabling my students to achieve their academic potential; my school pupils achieved consistently good or excellent GCSE and A Level grades and this has continued to be the case with my private tutees.

I love my subject and I am a thorough and kind teacher dedicated to raising standards of literacy through my teaching of English language and literature, and to the educational and personal development of young people more widely. Reading and writing skills are vital to success, and I want to empower my tutees by helping them to acquire those essential skills.

As well as teaching my academic subject, I was a sixth form personal tutor ( Years 12 and 13) in my school for 18 years, monitoring my students' academic progress, and guiding and mentoring those applying to university, assisting with UCAS applications and personal statements, or helping tutees plan for a gap year or for employment - a role which I found particularly fulfilling. I am available to support UCAS application personal statements. I get on very well with all my students and oerhaos especially those aged 16 - 18.

I also have experience of teaching in further education and have taught mature students from different cultural backgrounds.

I have also supervised sixth form students taking the AQA Extended Project Qualification. I greatly enjoy one - to-one tuition.

TUTORING EXPERTISE

In my long teaching career, I have built up extensive subject knowledge and teaching expertise, which I can adapt to students ranging from 11 years to adult, and taking exams with various examining boards, with my main focus as a private tutor being on GCSE and A Level.


A selection of TESTIMONIALS

I love working as a private tutor, helping my tutees to gain confidence in essential reading and writing skills and to achieve exam success.

In addition to the two above, here is a selection of testimonials from former tutees and their parents:

GCSE:

"When my daughter was about 14 it became apparent that she was really struggling with English. She had other difficulties going on that had made the subject very difficult for her. Her main problem was she didn't know how to approach answering questions and didn't understand how to structure an answer. We realised the importance of getting our daughter extra support, not only for her English Language and English Literature GCSE but as a foundation to other subjects and her future in life. We were very lucky to find Isla, who had experience of the exam board that we were using and many years teaching experience. She worked with my daughter on a weekly basis, through Year 10 and Year 11; Isla always planned our sessions and she covered all areas of the curriculum across both English GCSE subjects. By the time my daughter came to take her exams she was really prepared and had a new found confidence. I know that whatever her results are they will be better than they would have been. Do not hesitate to get support from Isla, she will work flexibly with you and listen to your needs."
Mrs LC, Stamford, July 2022
Update following exam results August 25 2022: this tutee is very pleased to have achieved a level 5 ( strong pass) in GCSE English Language and a 4 ( standard pass) in English Literature.

"My son was really struggling to get any motivation to study either English literature or language in both the first and second year of his GCSE course and so I made the decision to get him some support and contacted Isla to help him. Over a period of about 12 months Isla steadily helped Josh to work through the syllabus and both supported him and stretched him in order to help him maximise his potential. In his finals Josh received a solid B in both subjects and has gone on to study A level literature. I have no doubt he would not have achieved this without Isla's ongoing help and support."
Mrs M.M. Rutland , 2018


" Our son needed help to raise his GCSE English grade from a C to a B. We are so pleased that we found Isla to help him. He thoroughly enjoyed the sessions with Isla, which were paced at just the right level for him. He produced homework each week which was marked before his next session. He responded well to Isla's teaching methods and worked a lot harder than he had at school. Results day was brilliant - he gained an A grade. Fantastic! We would recommend Isla wholeheartedly."
Mrs J R, Rutland, 2017

Isla has helped both of our boys this year - one with his Personal Statement for his University application and one with his Dissertation for his degree. Both boys found Isla very easy to work with, approachable, friendly and very knowledgeable. Both boys have now moved on to University and work - both having benefitted from Isla's fantastic help.
Mrs J R Rutland, 2019


"Knowing her for roughly around two years, I found Isla to be a very professional, sincere, caring and accommodating teacher who has a passion to deliver the best she can offer. With no love for literature at all, my daughter struggled with GCSE English specially the literature where she would get C/low B compared to her other subjects. We were really concerned and wanted to push up her grade in English. That's when Isla came in as a great help. She quickly picked up and addressed the areas of concern and gave enough advice and support on revision techniques preparing her for the exam.. My daughter got a 9(A*)in Eng language and a 7(A) in literature in GCSE. In my daughter's own words: "Isla has been absolutely instrumental in boosting confidence within me without which I couldn't have asked for this result. No doubt - we highly recommend her."
Mrs P, Peterborough, 2017

"Isla provided excellent support during Year 10 and 11 to our daughter in relation to her GCSE studies in both English Literature and Language. This complemented her learning at school and enabled focus on those areas where extra support or explanation was needed. Isla was very flexible in her approach, tailoring her lessons to our daughter's needs and providing additional support on the run up to the exams themselves. Although our daughter isn't continuing her English studies at A Level, Isla is going continue to provide support in relation to essay structure and comprehension in the subjects she has chosen to study. We would highly recommend her."
Mrs R M, Leicestershire, parent of GCSE pupil, 2015

A LEVEL:

Isla is a very dedicated English Literature teacher. I saw the benefit of her lessons from the outset! Isla is reliable and meticulously organised as she always had the session planned which allowed us to make the most of every lesson. I am very grateful to have found Isla as I not only gained a clearer understanding of the books taught, but also my confidence in exam technique improved immensely due to Isla's support. I highly recommend Isla, she is a very kind person as well as an incredibly devoted teacher. Thank you Isla for your guidance and support.
DD, Grantham, September 2023
Footnote: my tutee DD gained a grade B in English at A Level and A grades in Mathemarics and Economics . She decided to take a gap year and is now studying for a degree in Economics at LSE.


"Isla has been a wonderful tutor for my son, and was able to support him enormously in all aspects of his AQA A level English Literature. Isla is very knowledgeable and thorough in her approach and assisted with his research and planning for his coursework, and with close study and revision of the challenging texts my son studied over the course of the 2 years, until he took his final exams in June 2019 . She also supported him in developing and writing his personal statement for UCAS, which resulted in excellent offers of university places. My son found Isla to be very approachable and very easy to work with as her teaching style is friendly, patient and clear, and she was also open to scheduling extra sessions when needed to fit around his studies. Isla"s support has been invaluable and has enabled my son to achieve a good set of A Level grades, including a creditable grade English Literature, and he is now settled into his first term at one of the top universities in the country, studying Economics. We would have no hesitation in recommending Isla as a private tutor.."
Mrs J.M., Leicester. October 2019

We turned to a private tutor because our daughter received a disappointing result in her first year of A Level English, but she knew she could do better and wanted to go to a first class University to study English. Her coursework had been excellent and most of her homework was good, too, but her exam technique was less secure. Isla definitely made a difference. She is a nurturing teacher who interacts with the student really well. Isla gave good advice about preparing for the exam paper and gave support in revision of the various texts, which boosted our daughter's confidence. Having achieved the necessary entry grades, our daughter is now at Newcastle University starting her degree course and wants to keep in touch with Isla."
Sally S, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, parent of A Level student, 2016

"As someone who wanted to pursue English at university, my grade C at AS Level was not good enough, so during Year 13 we found a private tutor to help me with my A Level English Language and Literature course. Isla put lots of time into helping me come out with an overall high grade B. She gave me wonderful advice with my creative coursework and really enhanced my knowledge of the two plays I was studying for my written exam. I am so grateful and will continue to keep in touch with Isla as I enter my degree course at Newcastle University for English Literature and Creative Writing."
Emily S, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, A Level tutee, 2016

Update from Emily S, Peterborough (above) received June 27 2019:

"I wanted to send you a quick email to let you know that I have received a First Class Honours from Newcastle University in English Literature and Creative Writing!
I am really thrilled as I wasn't expecting it!
You were a real help to me and my time with you was the beginning of me finding my feet with poetry; I went on to write a creative portfolio of poetry instead of a dissertation and received a mark of 75 for it.
So this is just to say, thank you very much!! "


"Isla has helped both of our sons this year - one with his Personal Statement for his University application and one with his Dissertation for his degree. Both boys found Isla very easy to work with, approachable, friendly and very knowledgeable. They have now moved on to University and work - both having benefitted from Isla's fantastic help."
Mrs J R, Rutland, 2018

I assisted a former GCSE resit tutee in his final year at university . This email arrived from his mother to tell me about her son's graduation:

Just to let you know that XXX got a 2.1 in his Sports Psychology degree!
We are very proud of him.
Thank you so much again for all your help and support.
June 2021

Teaching Experience:
I have been a private tutor for 9 years. Private tutoring enables me to stay in touch with young adults and to continue to use the teaching skills I have developed over a long and successful teaching career.

I greatly enjoy one to one tutoring and my students feel supported and more confident about facing their exams.

My tutees tend to be students who are struggling with the subject and have been predicted lower grades than they need.

Sometimes there is a specific issue such as spelling, or a student might struggle with a particular aspect, such as reading, or with a particular set text, or with how to write essays and exam answers that will earn high marks.

Without exception, my tutees grow in confidence amd improve their standard; they often go in to achieve very creditable grades that enable them to move to the next stage of their school career, or gain the university place they want.


At GCSE and AS/A Level my pupils have obtained consistently excellent results. I have taught a very wide range of set texts for literature and have taught courses by different exam boards, such as Edexcel, OCR, AQA, and the CIE IGCSE.

My school teaching often involved one-to-one sessions with pupils who needed extra support and I have taught those whose attainment in the subject is modest, as well as higher achievers in English.

Other teaching experience includes teaching for a total of 7 years full and part-time in further education colleges, and I have also taught English as a foreign language for the British Council in a Middle Eastern country.

Because I love teaching and supporting young people in their intellectual development, I have continued tutoring privately since retiring from full time school teaching, and I currently tutor students ranging from 14 to 18, assisting with preparation for GCSE and A Level exams.

I am able to offer both one- to- one in person teaching or teaching online.

My tutoring role includes assisting my tutees with English Language papers and with close study and revision of a wide range of set texts for Literature exams , demonstrating my adaptability in quickly grasping what different exam techniques are required. I have also given advice and support to students in higher education, pursuing English degrees.

My support for GCSE pupils enables them to achieve a creditable grade so they can proceed to the next stage of school/college. My shooort for A Lebel students often enables them to obtain the grade they need for University entrance.

Tutoring Approach:
PASSION FOR AND KNOWLEDGE OF MY SUBJECT
I prepare lessons thoroughly and imaginatively, striking a balance between getting through the necessary work - but making it varied, interesting and fun.

I begin by getting to know my pupil, their background, and specific needs.

Often, pupils needing extra tuition lack confidence and self-esteem and I care about addressing that sensitively.

In addition, I plan what needs to be covered: making sure I am fully in the picture with regard to the specific course being followed and the exam criteria, and I use the exam boards' websites to source relevant materials such as past papers and teaching resources.

In my tutoring, I aim to give my pupils more confidence in the classroom and in their written work.

BUILDING A GOOD RELATIONSHIP WITH MY TUTEES

I always have a clear plan for the session and an aim of what I wish to achieve in the time available.

Equally, I am flexible and nearly always end up adapting my plan to what comes up that day, in terms of what the pupil needs.

I like people and I am a friendly, outgoing person who communicates warmly with a tutee; I greatly enjoy the company of young people and am experienced in putting my tutees at their ease, reducing their anxiety and building their self-confidence, which is vital.

I form friendly, personal relationships with those I teach and am good at listening to them and assessing their needs, and adjusting my strategy accordingly.

A RIGOROUS APPROACH AND DETAILED FEEDBACK
As well as preparing thoroughly, I mark work meticulously and give very detailed and helpful feedback, both in writing and orally. I set relevant work to be completed for the next tutorial, and monitor progress closely; I stay in regular contact with my students and/or their parents via email and phone.

MY COMMITMENT TO YOU
You will find me a hardworking, and sympathetic tutor committed to the interests of my tutees; my aim is to help you to achieve your full academic potential in the subject and gain exam success. I see your progress in English in the context of the whole school or college picture and as part of your personal development. I often stay in touch with my pupils as they move on in life and take a keen interest in how they are getting on. I always treat my tutees with respect, kindness and understanding.

WHERE AND WHEN TUTORIALS TAKE PLACE
I tutor in my own home where I am set up to receive my tutees in a quiet and relaxed environment with my extensive resources and teaching materials readily to hand. During the pandemic I continued to tutor online and since then have continued to tutor online because my tutees often find it saves then travelling time and fits in with their lives better. I will consider face to face tutoring if this is required, or online only, or a combination of the two methods.

Normally I tutor on weekdays, and aim to complete my tutoring sessions by 7.30 p m but my times are flexible. I prefer not to tutor at weekends because of family commitments, though I can do so by by arrangement, with Sunday morning being a possibility.

I am usually able to tutor in school holidays, when I can offer longer, more intensive revision sessions.

I am always willing to try to fit in with a pupil's/parents' needs.


FEES

My professional fee for an hour is £45 for GCSE and £50 for A Level English and for support with UCAS personal statements.

Fees for other tutoring categories on request.

My fee include include preparation for the lesson, marking of set written homework, the actual intensive contact time with me, and follow-up emails and phone calls.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Hi, I'm Anna. I'm an author and a poet, I have had many poems published, won first prize in an international poetry competition (2011) and have also brought out two collections, which are on sale on Amazon. In 2015 I published my memoir A Hippopotamus at the Table. Set in South Africa in the 1970s. I'm about to publish my second memoir and published a book called Writing Memoir. How to Write a Story from Your Life in 2017. Formerly I taught memoir writing to small groups. I have a blog which is updated regularly with articles about writing, poetry, my travels and events.

Teaching Experience:
I taught in Adult Education at a variety of colleges for approximately 10 years (until 2000) - my main subject was Ancient Egyptian History - one of the colleges was Birkbeck University (University of London) I taught undergraduates. I ran a class for a number of years before that for City University on Ancient Egyptian History. For 6 years I taught Information Technology (seminars) at London Metropolitan University, to first year undergraduates. More recently (2000-2014) I worked in Criminal Justice delivering Cognitive Behavioural programmes to offenders and also on another programme supporting victims of violence.
I used to host language students for St Giles English Language school and also for a year taught TEFL one-to-one.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring is Socratic in delivery, to draw from the student what they know, what their interests are and expand on that. I like to bring students to poetry, and know about poetry from a variety of cultures from Moslem (like Rumi, Omar Khayam) to French and Afro Caribbean writers. I think learning English should be broad and interesting and make people think. My teaching method is through a conversational approach, short written exercises for identifying strengths and weaknesses, building on strengths and working on areas that require a structured approach for improvement. Learning should be interesting and it should be fun.

Subjects

Personal Description:
As a child, I learned by being told, by beatings, shaming and a strict examination system. As you can imagine I didn't learn much that I could later apply to my academic life. As a result, I became an inveterate learner, always interested in learning the next thing. At one point, the drive to learn was because I didn't see myself as being good enough. Later on, that drive became an interest in discovering my own abilities as well as about helping others. I have now learned so much about how not to teach that I have gained good insight into how learning happens. I am keen to ensure all my learners learn how to learn and understand how to apply what they discover.

Teaching Experience:
My background is in teaching, training and facilitation. I have over 25 years experience of teaching in different forms having worked within primary, secondary and further education settings. I am an NVQ / TAQA assessor and trained and assessed Parenting Practitioners and other candidates up to Level 5 in Health & Social Care. I have specialist skills in Personal Effectiveness subjects such as Report Writing, Speed Reading, Presentation Skills.

Tutoring Approach:
Being a private tutor used to be the preserve of only those with the highest qualifications and the greatest experience. Now all that's changed.

However good a tutor is, the learner needs to be astute in order know if the tutor is a good match for her / him. Importantly, making the right choice can be complex.
Here are three tips to help you decide if I am or someone else is right for you. The following tips describe how I teach and how I will enable you to be an independent learner.

1. Look for a tutor who can teach you how to learn
Here's a funny thing… learners study a subject, sometimes for months and years and can come away with no long-term memory of the underpinning principles of the subject. As disturbing, they have no ongoing understanding of the subject. They are unable to apply what they tried to learn. This is easily resolved by clearing up past issues with learning. In Applied Scholastics it is now well known that if as a learner, you are helped to do so, you can learn any subject. This is central to how I teach.

2. Look for tutors who understand the main barriers to learning and can help you overcome them
There are three main barriers to study. They relate to confusion over an idea, missing out critical steps and having unclear ideas about the subject under study. Gaining a day to day facility with overcoming those barriers is key to effective and efficient study. I use these methods to help my own reading and study. I will introduce them to you so that you can use them too.

3. Look for tutors who can help you find the information you need so that you keep expanding your own understanding of the subject

Sometimes, a learner during a course of study will find that s/he wants to give up. Have you ever experienced this? Whenever that happens it is because there is something - an idea, a symbol, a form of punctuation, the use of a word, or something else - that you did not understand. Without the proper factual information on this and without the correct knowledge of why and how this happens, the learner will struggle. Without knowing what remedies to apply, the learner will give up.

When you study, you are investing time and energy. In this case, money too. If you want to discover more about how you learn, what your barriers to study are and how to understand more, you will benefit from being an independent learner. That will repay your investment.

Those three critical points should help you decide if I could be right for you. They briefly describe the way in which I would work with you and enable you to be an independent learner.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a vibrant passionate Italian, French and English Teacher. I am strongly committed in delivering outstanding teaching, supporting learners and motivating them.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching for 20 years, delivering:
- classes to pupils aged from 14 to 18 as a State teacher in Italy,
- individual tuition / group classes to pupils, students, professionals, adults
- individual tuition / group classes for certification purposes to pupils, students, professionals, adults in English (Cambridge ESOL certificates from A2 to C1 level), DELf-DALF (Alliance française certificates from A2 to C1 level), FIT and Start (Goethe Institut, FIT 1 and FIT 2, Start 1 and 2)
- individual / group classes for entrepreneurs (French and English)
- individual/group tuition for national competitions, job interviews,....
- degree thesis in English and French.

Tutoring Approach:
Being passionate of research, innovative methodology, communication I have developed my own methodology enabling students to speak and write from the very first lesson.
I have a true passion for pronounciation which enables learners to easily understand and produce well built answers.
I have develped my own methodology for listening activities and pronunciation skills from my experience as an interpreter (simultaneous, consecutive, chuchotage).

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Personal Description:
*CURRENTLY FULLY BOOKED FOR THE SUMMER BUT TAKING RESERVATIONS FOR SEPTEMBER ONWARDS. AVAILABLE TO TEACH GROUP SESSIONS OF 4 PUPILS DURING HOLIDAY PERIODS AND TERM TIME* RUNNING A CREATIVE WRITING FEEDBACK SERVICE BASED UPON MY BOOK 'STORY WRITING SECRETS WHICH IS AVAILABLE ON AMAZON* EMAIL ME FOR DETAILS*

My specialist teaching areas are: KS3, KS4, GCSE English Language and Literature (all exam boards) IELTS, 11 Plus preparation (English only) and SEN pupils (extensive experience of teaching pupils with autism and anxiety).

I'm a warm and friendly, ex-head of English, and I have worked within the teaching profession profession for over 20 years in both the state education and private school sector. With a genuine passion for English Literature and Language, I have felt extremely lucky to have had the opportunity to work with both young people and adults to assist them on their educational journey and navigate their route to exam success. With this in mind, I have an outstanding track record for improving pupils' grades: all of my pupils have passed their exams and most have achieved two grades higher than expected.

My most recent position was as the Head of English and Drama in a private school near Brighton, a role which I found extremely rewarding and I instilled within my department two main objectives: to create an engaging and dynamic environment for each and every student to thrive within, and nurture the child's interest in the subject in order to unlock their true potential.

I am a people person; students get on well with me and tell me that I am both relaxed and patient, allowing individuals to flourish and making learning feel "easy". I have a talent for building confidence, explaining things clearly (in a number of different ways) and providing the vital skills for revision where the aim is to thoroughly prepare and focus in the lead up to exams.

Prior to teaching I worked in a web design agency, art gallery and spent two and a half years travelling through Asia. My hobbies are photography, films, running and travel.

Teaching Experience:
I've been teaching in state and private secondary schools since 2001 and have taught both young people and adults in the UK and abroad. My most recent position was Head of Faculty for English and Drama at Lewes Old Grammar School (a private school near Brighton), before relocating to Cheltenham in order to be closer to family and to set up my own private tuition company.

During my 20 years of teaching my primary focus has been teaching English Language and Literature at KS3, KS4 and KS5. As Head of the English department at L.O.G.S I successfully improved upon the high pass rates at both GCSE and A-level. By initiating innovative strategies in schemes of work and individual lesson plans I ensured that pupils at KS3 were supported effectively and given the best chance of obtaining excellent grades once they reached Year 11. Leading a team of English teachers through the changes in the exam system (from grades to the current numbering system) meant I devised imaginative schemes of work and crucial time-saving teaching techniques which ensured examination success. Last year my English department had "excellent" results whilst nationally grades dropped. I believe the key to a pupil fulfilling their potential is a combination of: the teacher-pupil relationship based upon trust, upbeat dynamic lessons which make learning fun and relevant to the world we live in, and empowering pupils with information to enable them to be independent, pro-active learners.

During my years of teaching I have worked with a range of different exam boards and led meetings to moderate and mark work accurately and effectively.

I have privately tutored pupils with special educational needs (such as dyslexia, dyspraxia and weak literacy) and I am experienced in setting suitable learning challenges and overcoming potential barriers to learning.

Tutoring Approach:
As a private tutor I feel my priority is to make the pupil feel at ease and able to ask any questions whenever they need to. I very quickly ascertain the pupil's concerns, needs/objectives, and subsequently set clear targets for the pupil to achieve success at any level. I am passionate about helping people get the best from themselves and approach each pupil as an individual - as if he or she were my only student. Designing my tutoring around a student's specific needs and individual way of learning, I feel is a priority, so each course I offer is individually tailored to suit your child's needs. After a short time with me, organisation will become second nature, as I provide a folder with organised sections which gives a clear overview of the course and elements that we will work through together. I am also happy to communicate by email with their class teacher to provide extra support where required if this is felt appropriate.

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Personal Description:
I'm an environmental scientist by training and I spent 16 years in the environmental chemistry sector before deciding that I wanted to teach.
I live in Little Sutton with my partner (also a teacher) and I have three children: Eleanor (19), Sarah (16) and Francis (13).
I have wide interests that include being out in the countryside a lot, cooking, fishkeeping and reading.

Teaching Experience:
During my time in industry I was heavily involved in the training and development of staff and this led neatly to my teaching career. I trained at the outstanding University Of Chester and worked across Wirral and Liverpool in a wide variety of primary school settings before teaching my own classes permanently and full time at schools in Birkenhead.
I relocated to North Wales in 2016, where I started to learn Welsh and to teach right across North Wales, from Wrexham to Llandudno and in primary and secondary schools. I have recently moved back to Wirral and so I teach in both countries now and I have built a reputation as a teacher with an outstanding rapport with children and the ability to teach children most subjects from age 4 to 16.

Tutoring Approach:
I will assess your child first, in order to gauge their strengths and areas for improvement and to benchmark their attainment, against which improvement can be measured.

I will spend time working with your child to understand their learning style 'mix' - this will allow me to tailor my approach to my teaching and to their learning.

It is important that children enjoy sessions, so wherever possible there will be fun!

My curricular strengths are English and maths, but I can also help out with 11 Plus and entrance exam preparation - verbal and non- verbal reasoning and mental maths. I am available in holidays also, if you want your child to catch up, or 'hit the ground running'on their return to school.

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Personal Description:
Hi, my name is Danielle and I just love English! I strive to foster a love of and appreciation for Literature in my students. A friendly, highly experienced teacher of English, I love helping keen learners grow in confidence, ultimately achieving the highest standards they can. I will use my genuine passion for the written word and excellent academic subject knowledge to tailor my teaching to your current needs.

Teaching Experience:
Over the past sixteen years I have been privileged to have been able to help hundreds upon hundreds of young learners develop their enjoyment, skills and confidence in English Language and English Literature, and therefore achieve success. I have experience of a variety of educational settings, including the state sector as well as the independent, and teach the full secondary age range - from Key Stage 3 through to A Level.
As a current examiner of GCSE Literature and with past experience examining different specifications for GCSE Language, GCSE Literature and AS Level Language & Literature, I have an extensive knowledge and understanding of what is required to secure good grades.
Other positions I have held have been Head of Year, Head of Drama, Literacy Across the Curriculum and Assistant Faculty Lead.

Tutoring Approach:
I really believe that writing for a purpose motivates potential authors, so last year I submitted the work of over five hundred young people to a number of writing competitions: some reached the higher rounds (BBC 500 Words), one entrant reached the final (Wicked Young Writers) and over seventy had their entries published. In order to get you excited about your writing, I would seek similar opportunities for you to show off your enhanced skills after some lessons on crafting writing! Did you know that great writers grow from great readers? To further develop your expertise in English, I will encourage you to read more widely by setting challenges to broaden your literary diet.

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Personal Description:
Hi guys, to start off with my academic background: I studied at Winchester College and Cambridge University.

I was generally a straight A* student at Winchester, and in my final exams I received some of the highest Cambridge Pre-U grades in the UK for my subjects of Philosophy & Theology, Russian and French (these were D1, D1, D2 - which translates in A-Level terms to A**, A**, A*). At Cambridge I studied a mix of Theology and Philosophy, with a focus on philosophy (ethics and metaphysics), history and literature papers.

In terms of my personal background: I was born in London and have lived in Islington most of my life. I've travelled a great deal, and in my gap year I spent stretches of time living in and travelling around America, Italy, Malta, Russia, Jordan and Pakistan.

In my free time I like classic cinema (Hitchcock especially) and novels (Tolstoy, Dostoevsky and Dickens are my favourites) but I'm curious about everything really, and I read books of any kind whenever I have the time - especially those relating to History (classical and modern), Philosophy, Theology, Politics, and Literary Analysis.

For most of my professional life so far I've worked as a salesman, lawyer and corporate strategist. I like theatre and stand-up and sketch comedy - Dylan Moran and John Cleese are my favourite comedians - and at Cambridge I performed in a couple of sketch comedy shows alongside members of the Footlights.

I'm friendly, good-humoured, energetic and I love teaching more than anything else!

Teaching Experience:
I've received excellent feedback on my tutoring so far. Here are some quotes I've received from former students who've been kind enough to supply written references for me (I can provide these and their contact details to you on request) :

- "the best teacher I have ever had the pleasure of learning from"

- [different student] "I can say without any doubt that he is the best tutor I have ever had."

- "thanks to Jasper, my school results became much better."

- "I can talk endlessly about how much I loved having meetings with Jasper"

- "His ability to convey complex historical concepts with clarity and engagement is a superpower."

- "Jasper's professionalism is also worth highlighting. He is highly organised, punctual, and dependable. He never came to a session unprepared, his teaching materials were always well-structured and insightful."

- "I must give a massive word of praise"

- " I truly hope he will have more students to teach, as he is very talented and truly deserves to be recognised. I wish everyone had a chance to have such a wonderful and supportive tutor."

Please note: The website format unfortunately limits the numbers of subjects I can list; I shall therefore add three more here. In addition to Philosophy, Theology, English, History, Russian and French I am also capable of tutoring up to and including GCSE Latin, basic (ab initio) German, and Debating.

More generally, I am also happy to advise on academic interview performance for elite boarding school or Oxbridge admissions.

Tutoring Approach:
1. So first of all we'll have an introductory session to determine what your interests, strengths/weaknesses and ultimate aims are. If you like me then we can have another session!

At the end of this I'll set an assignment for you to work on before our next session. The assignment may be easy, it may be tricky, it may be normal, it may be quite unusual! It will depend on what your aims and interests are and what I can come up with etcetera.

I'll also try to recommend some valuable learning resources and techniques for you to work with as you prepare that assignment.


2. In our second session we'll go through and discuss the assignment and your answers to it, focusing on different ways of looking at the issue and thinking around it, or effective ways to internalise that knowledge. This will take the form of a dialogue and a conversation that I hope you'll find stimulating and rewarding.

Note: You are welcome to stop sessions with me at anytime; it's entirely up to you and I won't be offended at all. But if you let me, I truly hope to teach you as much as I can.


- In summary the fundamental idea is to make the ideas as fun as possible, to assist you in learning them effortlessly and wanting to learn more. Education is always self-motored; the trick is helping you to fall in love with it. It is also to expose you to a wide array of alternative perspectives to broaden your bank of wisdom. Finally, I can recommend books and podcasts and resources to you that can have enduring value for you far beyond our own sessions, perhaps even for your entire lifetime.

I believe in sparking creativity and helping students make the ideas their own. My aim is to ignite imagination and enthusiasm as I put your intellect to the test, because only then will you really enjoy learning, and only then will you truly do well. Therefore I'll do my very best to generate an enthusiastic but rigorous atmosphere.

My enthusiasm can be pretty infectious... I promise you our conversations will be the opposite of boring!

At the same time, many of you will have real goals : to get better grades on your essays, to pass a crucial academic interview, or to smash your final exams. I believe utterly in studying carefully how to do that, and devising a strategy, so you can work "smart", not just "hard", and achieve your goals. I did this with great success for my own exams, and for many former students. I'm a former corporate strategist at an industry-dominating company! This is a real passion of mine.

Finally I also promise you that I'll also prepare carefully in advance of every session you have with me, to ensure you get the most out of me that you can. I have immense respect for my responsibility to you and your development.

Feel free to try a preliminary session with me!

I so look forward to talking with you,

All the very best,

Jasp

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Personal Description:
My name is Tia and I'm an experienced 11+ tutor with over six years of proven success helping KS2 students gain entry into top grammar and independent schools. Having personally navigated the 11+ process as a student at Newstead Wood Grammar School for Girls, I understand both the academic demands and the emotional pressures students face. I specialise in preparing pupils for GL-style exams, focusing on Maths, English, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Over the years, I have helped students secure places at selective grammar schools such as Newstead Wood, Bexley, Dartford, Tonbridge, and St. Olave's, as well as prestigious independent schools including Highgate and City of London. My tutoring style is results-driven but also supportive, ensuring each student feels confident, motivated, and prepared.

Teaching Experience:
I have been a professional tutor for six years, working with both private clients and established organisations such as Kumon. My experience spans a wide range of abilities and ages, primarily focusing on Years 3 to 6. I have a strong track record in preparing students for 11+ entrance exams, and my lessons consistently lead to tangible academic progress. Many of my students have successfully secured places at highly competitive schools. I pride myself on creating engaging, structured sessions that make learning both effective and enjoyable. I also believe in building strong relationships with parents, providing clear, honest feedback and collaborating to ensure the best outcomes for each child.

Tutoring Approach:
My lessons are built around active learning and tailored to each student's unique learning style. I start with a quick review to consolidate prior knowledge before introducing new material. For visual learners, I incorporate diagrams and visual aids; for hands-on learners, I use practice problems and interactive activities. I encourage students to ask questions and actively participate, as this deepens understanding and builds confidence. Between lessons, I set targeted tasks to reinforce skills, and I expect students to come prepared with any questions for our next session. I also keep parents updated with regular progress reports, ensuring they are informed and involved in the learning journey. My ultimate goal is to help each student reach their full potential while making the process as engaging and stress-free as possible.

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Personal Description:
I am a friendly, patient, and highly motivated tutor with several years of experience supporting students across a range of abilities. I pride myself on being approachable and reliable, and I build strong rapport with students to help them feel confident and engaged in their learning. I am organised, adaptable, and genuinely passionate about helping students reach their full potential, both academically and personally.

I take a calm and encouraging approach, tailoring my support to each student's needs while maintaining high expectations. I am committed to creating a positive learning environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, making mistakes, and developing independence in their learning.

Teaching Experience:
I have over four years of tutoring experience across Maths, Sciences, and Business, supporting students at 11+, KS3, and GCSE level. I have delivered both in-person and remote tuition, with a strong focus on Maths.

Most recently, I provided remote GCSE Maths tutoring to students at the British School Chennai, where I delivered structured one-to-one lessons, created tailored revision materials, and supported students with exam preparation and confidence-building. Teaching in an international and online setting strengthened my ability to adapt my teaching style to different learning needs and maintain engagement remotely.

In addition, I have direct experience with the 11+ pathway, having passed the 11+ myself and studied at a grammar school. This gives me strong familiarity with 11+ Maths content, exam technique, and the level of discipline required to succeed. Across my tutoring experience, I have supported students of varying abilities, tracked progress over time, and adjusted lesson plans to ensure consistent improvement.

Overall, I have delivered several hundred hours of tuition and am confident teaching Maths at primary and secondary level, with a student-centred, structured, and supportive approach.

Tutoring Approach:
My teaching approach is student-centred, structured, and supportive. I begin by understanding each student's current level, learning style, and goals, and I tailor lessons accordingly. I break down complex topics into clear, manageable steps and use examples and practice questions to reinforce understanding.

I focus on building both subject knowledge and confidence, encouraging students to ask questions and think critically rather than memorise methods. Lessons are interactive, with regular checks for understanding and targeted feedback to ensure steady progress. I adapt the pace and teaching style as needed and place strong emphasis on exam technique and problem-solving skills.

Above all, I aim to create a calm, encouraging environment where students feel comfortable making mistakes and developing independence in their learning.

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